Special Events: Baptism, weddings, Funerals
Baptism
God has
in the amazing plan
of creation,
chosen us as the way
to
have life
come into the world.
We are co-creators with God.
Through
us
are born the children
God calls by name.
A
child is created
to reflect God’s very image.
Male and female,
heart,
flesh, and spirit
come to be
in our loving union.
This is a mystery
and a wonder.
You are thinking of having your child baptized – your newborn, your newly adopted child, or your youngster…. An important decision, for your child and for you.
We would be pleased to be able to be with you in this celebration and the preparation that precedes it, as you think about why you are wanting baptism, and what it means for you and for your family; and how you will live out the promises that you will make.
Baptism is above all a sacrament of GRACE. There are no “requirements;” your child is always welcome, and will always be received by God, no matter what. On the other hand, we do have an expectation that you are entering into this sacrament with great seriousness and sincerity. We hope that you will become part of our congregation, and we will do our best to welcome you and your child.
If you would like to talk to a minister about having your child baptized, please give us a call.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
St. Andrew's Wesley Church wants very much to be of help in your time of
loss, by supporting you and your family in your grieving, and by assisting with
arrangements that involve the church and its facilities. Our ministers are
available to be with you -- to listen, to pray, to simply be present, and to
bear witness to the love of God in our living and in our dying.
They
will also help in planning a service. A funeral service (with body and
coffin present) or a memorial service (with or without cremated remains present)
is an important way in which to honour one who has died and to help family and
friends acknowledge their loss. The minister at St. Andrew's Wesley Church
will help you put together this worship service, discussing the eulogy or words
of remembrance, Scripture readings, music and prayers, and other aspects of the
service.
Please feel free to contact our Church Office or the Minister for further information.
WEDDINGS
We welcome you to think about St. Andrew's Wesley Church as place where you might celebrate your marriage and find ongoing community and support. There are all kinds of practical details to consider, and we would suggest that you check those out in the lengthy description of our Wedding Policy elsewhere on the website, but know that we understand marriage to be a covenant between two people (regardless of gender) who come together, ready to commit themselves to a partnership that is faithful, loving, and life-giving, with the intention of life-long permanence. In the marriage ceremony they express this desire and hope with vows of love and commitment that are offered in the presence of God, family and friends.